Tomorrow’s Static Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States
and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies
constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

The question is about discussing the significance of employment relevant learning process that is needed in Indian system of higher education.

Demand of the question:

This question seeks to examine significance of employment relevant learning process that is needed in Indian system of higher education with a detailed analysis of recently launched Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS).

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

Start with brief introduction highlighting the significance of Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS).

Body

Discuss the following points in detail:

The Ministry of HRD has launched the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities.

Discuss the salient features of SHREYAS Scheme-

It is a programme conceived for students in degree courses, primarily non-technical, with a view to introduce employable skills into their learning, promote apprenticeship and also amalgamate employment facilitating.

SHREYAS portal will enable educational institutions and industry to log in and provide their respective demand and supply of apprenticeship.

The matching of students with apprenticeship avenues will take place as per pre-specified eligibility criteria.

Explain the objectives of the scheme, its operation and implementation strategy.

Discuss how schemes like SHREYAS will be a major effort in this direction to make our degree students more skilled, capable, employable and aligned to the needs of our economy so that they contribute to country’s progress and also obtain gainful employment.

Conclusion

Conclude with significance of such schemes.

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

The PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) that was announced in the Interim Budget-2019 was formally inaugurated by PM Modi recently. The scheme seeks to benefit around 42 crore workers from the unorganized sector of the country.

Key demand of the question:

The question here is straightforward, one has to evaluate the salient features of PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM).

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin with brief write up on unorganized sector workers and the facilities they have in terms of policies and programmes.

Body:

Discussion should include the following aspects –

PM-SYM is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India and Community Service Centers (CSCs). LIC will be the Pension Fund Manager and responsible for Pension pay out.

This scheme seeks to benefit around 42 crore workers from the unorganized sector of the country.

Then move on to discuss the Salient Features of the scheme – Minimum Assured Pension, role of the central government etc.

Once the beneficiary joins the scheme at the entry age of 18-40 years, the beneficiary has to contribute till 60 years of age.

On attaining the age of 60 years, the subscriber will get the assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- with benefit of family pension, as the case may be.

Conclusion:

Conclude with significance of such schemes in the upliftment of the unorganized working class.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

The article captures the debate of pros and cons that Internet of things bring to us. It analyses the issue of data privacy and surveillance of the IoT. One has to weigh the pros and cons for the same.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must argue in detail for and against the Internet of things, one has to analyse the positives and negatives of the IoT.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Briefly explain the concept of Internet of Things and how Internet of things has been a buzzword in today’s fast-paced world. Internet of things is a core technology in today’s era.

Body:

Body of the answer should discuss the following aspects:

Start by explaining what are the benefit of Internet of things?

Discuss the three of the main concerns that accompany the Internet of Things are the breach of privacy, over-reliance on technology, and the loss of jobs.

Aspect of Privacy and security – In today’s tech-driven world, each and every device that an individual uses is connected via the internet. This increases the risk of any leakage of data that might be important. This is a major drawback of sharing information, as confidential information might not be safe & could be hacked by third parties easily.

Present points on how it proves to provide an unpermitted data surveillance breaching boundaries of privacy.

Conclude as to what can be the way ahead.

Conclusion:

Conclude with measures to prevent such data breach and what can be the way forward with it.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

The executive secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), has invited India to be an observer in the CTBT. Being an observer would give India access to data from the International Monitoring System (IMS). Thus, it is necessary for us to evaluate the same with examination point of view.

Key demands of the question:

The answer must briefly discuss the objective of International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the effect it has on India; one has to analyse India being an observer member what can be the possible repercussions.

Directive:

Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction

In a few introductory lines explain what is International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Body

The body of the answer has to capture the following aspects:

Highlight the background – explain the invite India received to become an observatory member.

Discuss the objective – The International Monitoring System (IMS) is a worldwide network of monitoring stations that will help to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by detecting events that might indicate violations of the Treaty.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, but has not entered into force.

India, North Korea and Pakistan have not signed it, but Pakistan is an observer.

Explain the relevance of it to India – Being an observer would give India access to data from the International Monitoring System. Also explain India’s stand on the same.

Very recently Several Indian pharmaceutical companies have been accused of collusion to raise generic drug prices in the US.After facing American scrutiny over quality issues, India’s pharmaceutical industry has again landed in the crosshairs of US regulatory action. Thus we have to analyse in detail issues surrou

Key demand of the question:

The answer must discuss in detail the problems facing the pharmaceutical industry in India and the approaches to ensure long term viability.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer

Introduction:

write a few introductory lines highlighting the issue.

Body:

Answers must discuss the following aspects :

The answer must examine the Pharmaceutical (Pharma) industry and the changes that have occurred particularly over the last few years as a result of the overall economic downturn, the rising cost of healthcare and the costs associated with the development and sales of pharmaceuticals.

Explain how the response of big Pharma to this has been the recent spate of partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, consolidation, diversification, licensing agreements and downsizing in both human and capital resources.

Discuss the Culture of ‘bending rules’ in India and in what wat it challenges U.S. drug agency.

For the first time, the entire genome of Asiatic lion has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.

The objective was to understand the species at DNA level and study if there were any specific problems with regard to adaptability to environment or behaviour vis-à-vis other big cats.

Key demand of the question:

Analyse in detail the project and Significance of the project and how it can prove to be a significant turning points in the conservation efforts of such endangered animals.

Directive word:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In a few introductory lines highlight some facts depicting the status of Asiatic Lion in India.

Body:

In brief discuss –

Start by discussing the details of the project – What is genome sequencing? About Asiatic lion and CCMB.

Highlight the significance of such a project – How it would help researchers to better understand the evolution of Asiatic lions and also make possible comparative analysis with other big cats.

It would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study population genetics (the differences at the gene level within a population) and get newer insights into its population status and subsequent management.

It will enable better disease and population management of the endangered big cat by identifying characteristics which are specific to Asiatic lions etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by reasserting the significance of such projects in the conservation efforts.

The article discusses in detail how women can play a role centric to managing disasters. Recently a project named ‘swayamsiddha’ in Odisha’s Ganjam district was initiated wherein women will be trained in evacuation, rescue, restoration and rehabilitation during natural calamities, especially cyclones.

Key demand of the question:

Discussion should be about vital role that women can play in managing disasters.

Directive word:

Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

In a few introductory lines highlight how Multi-stakeholder engagement is a fundamental element to managing disasters.

Body:

Many international strategies and frameworks have identified women as one of the key stakeholders in any disaster management efforts due to many reasons. Women play a significant role in disaster response and recovery stages specifically at household level. However, their roles in organizational decision making, particularly in disaster risk governance, is limited due to uncovered reasons. This has created equity and equality issues among one of the most affected communities from hazards.

The answer must attempt to explore and emphasize the role of women in disaster risk governance, risk governance efforts and overall disaster management and to uncover the barriers that limit their role in disaster risk governance.

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.